Mark Teixeira, former professional baseball first baseman, emphasized the essential role of innate talent in becoming a professional athlete, highlighting that possessing the necessary physical attributes is crucial for success in sports. Teixeira was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.

“There's a few things that you have to have or be to become a professional athlete, and I've been around some of the best—I've gotten to spend time with the greatest athletes in the world, not just baseball players, but basketball or football, or what have you,” said Teixeira on a recent edition of the Texas Talks Podcast. “It starts with a god-given gift. You have to have the talent. A kid who's 5'2" can't jump, can't shoot, isn't playing in the NBA because God didn't give them that gift, to the athletic ability to go play in the NBA.”

“If you have that gift, it shows up pretty early'” said Teixeira. “You throw kids out on a field when they're young and you're like, 'Oh, that kid's different. He looks different, he's faster, he's stronger, he moves around the field different.' That's number one, is that god-given talent, and I knew that at a young age.”

Teixeira, a former MLB player, had a 14-season career with teams like the Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves, Anaheim Angels, and New York Yankees. He achieved success with three All-Star selections, five Gold Glove Awards, and three Silver Slugger Awards.

Texas Talks podcast is hosted by Brad Swail. The weekly show is focused on public policy in the state of Texas, with insights from the people and organizations that influence it.

The podcast is available on Simple Cast and YouTube.